The cornerstone was laid for a review of the International Regulations on the Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials (SSR-6): The competent body of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has decided to launch a corresponding process.

Initially, in November 2021, the IAEA had asked the 175 member states to identify problems in the application of the regulations, and to propose changes. BASE was involved in the German contribution, which was developed under the coordination of the Federal Ministries for the Environment and Transport.

International regulations form the basis for national rules

The proposals submitted were then evaluated by expert groups set up by the IAEA's competent body, and the latter decided at its 45th meeting in November/December 2022 to revise SSR-6.
The IAEA plans to publish a new edition of the international regulations at the end of the new multi-stage review process in January 2026. These regulations are of great importance for Germany, as they form the basis for national regulations. Consequently, BASE will closely monitor the review process.

Transports of radioactive material across national borders

The SSR-6 forms the basis for the safe transport of radioactive material worldwide. Its development and uniform application at the international level is important, as many transports cross national borders. The SSR-6 is implemented in German regulations on the transport of radioactive materials via international agreements.
The SSR-6 is subject to regular review, so as to consider new findings from transport practice in particular. This ensures a consistently high level of safety in the transport of radioactive materials, whilst maintaining the stability of the regulations. Both objectives also play a major role in maintaining the transportability of casks loaded with radioactive waste at the end of interim storage.